I am back in the states and as I reflect on what a refreshing vacation that was, I can't help but feel warm inside. The time in Mexico was a perfect break. Not too long, not too short. Warm, peaceful, festive and adventurous.
I would tell everyone to go to Uxmal and to also take the Cenote Tour through the Nomadas Hostel in Merida. What a great place to stay.
One of the other things I most enjoyed about Mexico was it's strong sense of family. In the town square, grown men and woman walked holding hands with their mother or father. Teenage boys clung to their moms shoulder as they strolled around on a nice evening in the park. It was wonderful and also not very American. My favorite happened back at my hostel. The owner came in with some family members to work for the weekend. This gave his employees a chance to go home with their family, a Value very dear in a Catholic State around the holiday.
Anyways, I was resting in the hammock, he on the picnic table. I heard a child yell "Papi" and run through the doorway. This large burly man embraced his grandson for such an awkward amount of time, it warmed my heart. The child never moved or struggled, but just enjoyed his large arms and the kisses he was recieving. "Papi" continued to hold him as he had conversations with other family members, kissing his grandchild as he talked. I almost cried as I watched and reminisced of times I was embraced like that.
I had a few other conversations about the strong family sense in Mexico. As always, there are pros and cons, but we should never be so far removed from the idea of closeness. Independence and strength most often comes from characteristics instilled by our families. I loved the Family traditions in Mexico. Happy Easter.
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